World Cup Countdown - Paraguay
Paraguay - The Squad
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Paraguay - The Squad
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 Features 2 
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PARAGUAY - THE SQUAD
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The Men Who Could Make It To France
THE SQUAD
THE COACH
Paulo Cesar Carpegiani
Brazilian coach who was appointed national boss in early 1996 after a successful career in his native Brazil, where he won the Libertadores Cup with Rio club Flamengo. The word from Sambaland is that 49-year-old Carpegiani will return to Flamengo after the World Cup. But if he does, he should leave Paraguayan football in a much better state than when he arrived.
GOALKEEPERS
Danilo Aceval
Up-and-coming keeper who will be the likely third-choice keeper in France.
Born: 15.9.75. Club: Union Santa Fe (Arg). Caps: 3. Goals: 0.
Jose Luis Chilavert
The most famous player in Paraguayan football, past or present. An outstanding keeper who also takes free-kicks and penalties. The captain of the team and an outspoken, controversial figure off the pitch. Has recently been criticised for being a little overweight, but he remains Paraguay's
inspiration and bizarrely one of their best sources of goals.
Born: 27.7.65. Club: Velez Sarsfield (Arg). Caps: 36. Goals: 4.
Ruben Ruiz Diaz
Likely reserve for Chilavert in France who has always performed well when he has been called upon, something that happens too often for Carpegiani's liking, due to Chilavert's temperamental approach.
Born: 11.11.69. Born: Monterrey (Mex). Caps: 13. Goals: 0.
DEFENDERS
Francisco Arce
One of Paraguay's leading defenders who stars in Brazil for Sao Paulo club Palmeiras. A likely starter on the right-hand side of defence.
Born: 2.4.71. Born: Palmeiras (Bra). Caps: 29. Goals: 4.
Celso Ayala
Talented and experienced defender who has gained valuable experience (and silverware) in Argentina with River Plate. Plays in the centre of defence and likes to take the ball out into midfield and beyond.
Born: 20.8.70. Born: River Plate (Arg). Caps: 41. Goals: 2.
Arnaldo Espinola
A possible reserve in France who may make the final squad after impressive displays for his Brazilian club. Born:
25.12.75. Club: Internacional (Bra). Caps: 3. Goals: 0.
Carlos Gamarra
Highly-rated centre-back who is back playing his club football in Brazil after a disappointing spell at cash-strapped Benfica in Portugal. Solid and dependable.
Born: 17.2.71. Club: Corinthians (Bra). Caps: 46. Goals: 3.
Juan Ramon Jara
One-time regular who will have to be content with a place on the bench in France.
Born: 6.8.70. Club: Rosario Central (Arg). Caps: 18. Goals: 0.
Catalino Rivarola
First-choice central defender who is respected across South America after winning the Libertadores Cup with Gremio in 1996.
Born: 30.4.65. Club: Gremio (Bra). Caps: 48. Goals: 4.
Ricardo Rojas
Full-back and a likely squad member in France.
Born: 26.1.71. Club: Estudiantes de la Plata (Arg). Caps: 6. Goals: 0.
Pedro Sarabia
Central defender whose experience gained in Argentina with champions River Plate should see him included in the final 22 for France.
Born: 5.7.75. Club: River Plate (Arg). Caps: 18. Goals: 0.
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Estanislao Struway
Reliable performer in the qualifiers whose versatility and experience should guarantee him at least a place on the bench in France.
Born: 25.6.68. Club: Portuguesa (Bra). Caps: 18. Goals: 0.
Juan Carlos Villamayor
An occasional performer in the qualifiers who will struggle to make the final 22 for France.
Born: 5.3.69. Club: Celaya (Mex). Caps: 11. Goals: 0.
MIDFIELDERS
Roberto Acuna
Paraguay's great attacking hope. Born in Argentina to Paraguayan parents and started out with Buenos Aires club Independiente before seeking his fortune in Europe. A skilful, highly technical player who is also a battler.
Born: 25.3.72. Club: Real Zaragoza (Spa). Caps: 43. Goals: 3.
Jorge Alcarez
Experienced, reliable performer who may find himself lacking for pace in France. A likely squad member, nevertheless.
Born: 4.7.68. Club: Cerro Porteno. Caps: 12. Goals: 0.
Harles Bourdier
Likely starter who attacks on the left.
Born: 14.8.72. Club: Union Santa Fe (Arg). Caps: 12. Goals: 0.
Hugo Brizuela
Possible alternative for Acuna in the creative midfield role, but lacks experience.
Born: 17.3.71. Club: Argentinos Juniors (Arg). Caps: 6. Goals:1.
Julio Cesar Enciso
Tough-tackler who will play the midfield holding role in France.
Born: 5.8.74. Club: Internacional Porto Alegre (Bra). Caps: 26. Goals: 2.
Carlos Morales Santos
An outsider for France who could make the final 22 as a reserve for Acuna and Bourdier.
Born: 4.11.68. Club: Gimnasia y Esgrima de Jujuy (Arg). Caps: 7. Goals: 0.
Gustavo Sotelo
A possible reserve in France who was used only sparingly in the qualifiers.
Born: 16.3.68. Club: Guarani. Caps: 13. Goals: 0.
FORWARDS
Miguel Angel Benitez
Paraguay's best hope for goals and their joint top scorer in the qualifiers with three goals. Likes to run from deep, but is likely to be used further forward in France.
Born: 19.5.70. Club: Espanyol (Spa). Caps: 31. Goals: 9.
Francisco Esteche
The leading domestic-based striker, who should make the final 22, although he is unlikely to start. Born: 12.11.73. Club: Olimpia. Caps: 19. Goals: 4.
Jose Cardoso
Striker who plays his club football in Mexico and who will most likely start on the bench in France.
Born: 19.3.71. Club: Toluca (Mex). Caps: 13. Goals: 3.
Hugo Ovelar
Domestic-based forward who may squeeze into the final 22.
Born: 4.3.72. Club: Guarani. Caps: 3. Goals: 0.
Aristides Rojas
Experienced, intelligent forward and a likely partner for Benitez, although his scoring record is not great.
Born: 24.11.71. Club: Union Santa Fe (Arg). Caps: 31. Goals: 6.
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